THE Fiji Airways Fijian Drua has kept their National Rugby Championship semi-final hopes alive after smashing Sydney 76-29 at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Fijian Drua was on fire recording the highest winning margin of the competition with a 47-point victory in the Sugar City.
After recording two draws and a loss, Fijian Drua the defending champions, needed to win by a bonus point to move up the NRC points table to set up tight finish for the semi-final.
At the end, Fijian Drua ended outscoring Sydney ten tries to five.
Fijian Drua led 24-19 at halftime.
The result was a huge relief for Fijian Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula who was forced to make many changes from last year after the transition of experienced players into the Flying Fijians squad and a few overseas clubs.
Seruvakula said they played the match like it was the grand final.
He said there was no way they could afford to lose the fixture.
“Full credit to everyone as the boys put their body on the line,” Seruvakula said.
“But there was a lot of learning from this match. We are still throwing those 50-50 passes and giving away some needless penalties.”
Seruvakula said while they were in a development phase, they should have won the first three games as well.
“There is so much talent in the team and we need to believe in the players,” he said.
“This is like a development year for us because many of the senior players from last year have moved on and these guys are filling up their shoes.
“It is good to finally get a win after three games.”
Results:
Fijian Drua 76
Tries: Peni Matawalu, Rusiate Nasova, Johnny Dyer 2, Eremasi Radrodro 2, Jiuta Wainiqolo 2, Jone Koroiduadua, Enele Malele Tikotani, Samisoni Viriviri,
Cons: Tikotani 9,
Pens: Tikotani
Sydney 29
Tries: Ed Craig 2, Lalaksi Foketi 2, Jaline Gamble,
Cons: Will Harrison 2
Fijian Drua: Joeli Veitayaki, Tevita Ikanivere, Mosese Ducivaki, Tevita Naqali, Epeli Radaniva, Eremasi Radrodro, Ulaiasi Lawavou, Johnny Dyer, Seru Vularika, Caleb Muntz, Nacanieli Narequva, Cyril Reece, Ifereimi Tovilevu, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Enele Malele. Reserves: Ratunaisa Navuma, Maikeli Sivo, Jone Koroiduadua, Timoci Sauvoli, Rusiate Nasova, Jone Navori, Peni Matawalu, Peceli Nacebe, Aporosa Tabulawaki.
Sydney: Rory O’Connor, Ed Craig, Charle Abel, Ryan McCauley, Tuitakau Kioa, Jack Digby, Charlie Gamble, Jacob Abel, Will Harrison, Tyson Davids, Lalakai Foketi, Harry Burey, Cam Clark, Jaline Graham. Reserves: Joe Cotton, Wayne Borsak, Sambeckler Vui, Declan Moore, Christian Poidevin, Mitch Short, Trent Winterstein, Ru MacKenzie || drua 2 21-09 || 21-09-19RugbyTHE Fiji Airways Fijian Drua
